Case Alert: Hatley v. Southard (2023)

(1) Controlling behavior ("coercive control") is a legally recognized form of abuse.

(2) If you request a DVRO, then later file a supplemental declaration, the court must allow you to testify about the issues in your supplemental declaration.

(3) If you request child or spousal support as part of your DVRO, the court must rule on the support request. It still must consider your support request even if it denies the DVRO.

(4) If you are representing yourself in a DVRO case, courts must take extra care to protect your rights and help you understand rules.